Reasons Why Pres. Duterte Vowed to "Destroy" Roberto Ongpin

The first President from Mindanao, Pres. Rody Duterte has vowed to "destroy" oligarchs in the country and one of those he singled out is no other than popular business tycoon Roberto Ongpin, the man behind the PhilWeb Corp.

Pres. Duterte's statement of singling out Mr. Ongpin was released during his speech before members of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) in Malacañang on
Wednesday.

The chief executive was quoted as saying "Ang plano [ko] talaga is [to] destroy the oligarchs that are
embedded in government,” Duterte said in a speech.

According to the 71-year-old President, Mr. Roberto Ongpin has the political connections, which he apparently used to promote his business interests.

“I’ll give you an example, publicly, Ongpin, Roberto. Malakas kay
(Ferdinand) Marcos noon, trade minister, I think. Malakas and
successful. (During) Ramos he was a hanger on and kay Gloria (Arroyo),
PNoy. Now he owns the online [gambling],” he said.

Know More About Roberto Ongpin:

Roberto Ongpin is the owner of online gaming firm PhilWeb Corp, the company entered into contracts with the Philippine government.

The Forbes listed millionaire ranked No. 20 in the Philippines in the 2015 list of richest people in the country with an estimated net worth of $900 million.

The 79-year-old Roberto Ongpin is considered as one of the country's self-made millionaire who previously worked as Minister of Trade and Minister of Industry during the Marcos administration.